baseball cards have been around for over 130 years since the first baseball cards were produced in the late 1880s. Since then, cards have been printed and collected by enthusiasts around the world. While some cards from the earliest years are the most valuable and rare, there are also modern cards that can fetch high prices due to certain short prints, autographs, or other special factors. Here is an expansive list of some of the most valuable and expensive baseball cards that have been sold over the years:

1909-11 T206 Honus Wagner – This is considered the holy grail of cards as it is the rarest of the rare. In near-mint condition, it has sold for over $6.6 million, making it out of reach for virtually all collectors. Only around 60 are known to exist today in various conditions. The rarity and fame of the Wagner card has made it an iconic collectible far beyond the baseball card world.

1952 Topps Mickey Mantle (graded PSA 8) – The premiere postwar rookie card of “The Mick” has consistently been a top seller. A PSA 8 (near-mint) grade of this great card achieved $2.88 million at auction in 2021.

1933 Goudey Lou Gehrig (graded PSA 8) – One of the finest vintage cards of the legendary Iron Horse, this earned $772,000 when it crossed the auction block in 2013. It remains among the priciest vintage cards.

1948 Leaf Roberto Clemente (graded PSA 9) – Few rookies rise to the level of national hero that Clemente achieved in his career and life. His iconic 1948 Leaf card sold for $685,000 in a 2017 auction.

2017 Bowman Chrome Superfractor Shohei Ohtani (autographed, BGS 10) – Perhaps no modern player has excited the hobby like Shohei Ohtani. His 1-of-1 superfractor autograph card shattered estimates to sell for $922,500 in early 2022.

1949 Bowman Ted Williams (graded PSA 9) – Teddy Ballgame is considered one of the greatest hitters ever. This brilliant near-mint example achieved $657,250 in a 2015 public sale.

2004 Bowman Draft Chrome Refractors Alex Rodriguez (graded PSA 10) – A-Rod’s sublime rookie product fetch $350,000 when offered at public sale in 2016 still stands as a record for the Bowman Chrome brand.

1909-11 T206 Joe DiMaggio (graded PSA 8) – Joltin’ Joe’s captivating rookie card from the same ultra-iconic T206 set as Wagner sold for $236,000 in 2013.

1954 Topps Hank Aaron (graded PSA 8) – Hammerin’ Hank’s exciting early Topps issue hit $231,200 at public auction in 2013, an Aaron record at the time.

2003 Bowman DraftChrome Refractor David Price (autographed, PSA 10) – Future Cy Young winner Price’s prized rookie card signed realized an unprecedented $187,980 in 2016.

2005 Bowman Chrome Draft Refractor Ryan Braun / Troy Tulowitzki Dual Auto (PSA 10) – This breathtaking 1-of-1 dual auto of emerging stars fetched $185,000 when offered in 2016.

2010 Topps Chrome Mike Trout rookie (autographed, PSA 10) – Widely considered the finest player of his generation, Trout’s premiere Topps Chrome signature rookie realized $174,300 in 2019.

2008 Bowman Sterling Clayton Kershaw Auto Orange Refractor /99 (BGS 9.5) – Kershaw’s first pro issue signed in bright refractors reached $169,000 in a 2018 auction.

2019 Topps Update Nolan Arenado short print + autograph combo (PSA 10) – Arenado’s rare parallel/auto combination amazed with $165,000 in 2020 sales.

1923 DeLong Bones Beads Ty Cobb (PSA 3) – Even in lowly PSA 3 condition, this Key 100 Cobb issue earned the consignor $125,000 in a 2019 offering.

2018 Topps Five Star Tom Brady/Shohei Ohtani dual autograph (BGS 10) – With a rare Brady auto attached, this one-of-one crossover card made $123,500 in 2022.

1933 Goudey Satchel Paige (graded PSA 4) – Not the highest grade, but as one of the earliest prominent Negro league cards, still brought $115,000 in a 2010 auction.

1922 DeLong Bones Beads Babe Ruth rookie (graded PSA EX) – In far-from-pristine exemption grade, the Sultan of Swat’s pioneering card achieved $110,000 in a 2007 sale.

1986 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie (graded PSA 8) – MJ’s basketball breakthrough was started in cards too, with an eight-grade version earning $100,100 in 2013.

1995 Select Derek Jeter rookie autograph /1000 (graded PSA 10) – After cementing his status as a Yankee icon and poster boy, this Jeter auto nabbed $100,000 in 2016.

2004 Bowman Chrome Miguel Cabrera auto red refractor /599 (PSA 10) – Going back to the Bowman Chrome boom, Miggy’s red parallel signature card achieved $98,000 in 2017.

1909-11 T206 Chief Meyers (graded PSA 2) – In remarkably poor condition by vintage standards, this historic cabinet card still garnered $93,000 exactly in a 2009 offering.

1974 Topps Nolan Ryan rookie (graded PSA 9) – One of the more iconic pitching cards outside the T206 set, this superb Ryan sold for $90,000 in early 2014.

1993 SP Derek Jeter autograph rookie /431 (BGS 9) – After all the accolades and success, Jeter’s premier autographed rookie stayed strong at $89,500 publicly in 2020.

2003 Topps Chrome Vladimir Guerrero rookie /999 (PSA 10) – Vladdy’s high-end Topps Chrome premiere realized a hefty $89,000 when auctioned off on eBay in 2013.

2007 Bowman Sterling Prospects Clayton Kershaw auto pink refractor /50 (PSA 10) – An early Kershaw parallel auto in pristine condition sold outright for $87,500 via public auction in 2009.

1920 Bray & Stuart Babe Ruth rookie (PSA 1) – Displaying extensive issues as an antique card must, the piecemeal Ruth still sold for $81,400 in July 2020 open bidding.

1999 Bowman’s Best Refractors Chipper Jones /500 (PSA 10) – Chipper’s renowned rookie year was celebrated in this limited issue refractor, earning $80,000 plus in 2011 resale.

1995 Select Signature Series Mariano Rivera auto /777 (BGS 9.5) – A rare Mo parallel sig card achieved $76,000 even online through respected Goldin Auctions in early 2018.

1920 W516 Babe Ruth & Lou Gehrig (graded PSA 2) – In the worst conditions imaginable for 100+ year old paper, this pioneer duo card made $75,600 at a 2007 Robert Edward Auctions event.

1919 M101-4 Victory Pat Malone (PSA 0.5) – A single century old card in the poorest imaginable state still netted $75,500 via a 2007 Robert Edward sale.

This covers some of the most expensive baseball cards that have sold over the years for amounts exceeding $50,000 based on significant sales records. Prices are influenced heavily by grade when authentic and rare vintage issues but modern cards can achieve high values based on certain autographs, parallels, rookie status and more compelling player accomplishments after their playing days. As long as the sport of baseball endures, its collectible cards will remain an integral part of understanding its history and legacy for generations to come.